Six charged in New IRA investigation

By Alexander Britton, PA

A sixth person has been charged with terrorism offences by police investigating dissident republican group the New IRA.

Officers in Northern Ireland charged a 49-year-old man from Dungannon with membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

The six people charged under Operation Arbacia are due before Laganside Court on Monday.

Others who will appear before court include a 45-year-old woman from Dungannon and a 49-year-old woman from Lurgan, charged with offences including membership of a proscribed organisation, directing terrorism and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A 48-year-old man was charged on Saturday with directing terrorism in Northern Ireland.

New IRA graffiti

He is also accused of membership of an outlawed organisation and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A 32-year-old man from Londonderry has also been charged with directing terrorism in Northern Ireland, membership of an outlawed organisation and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

A 43-year-old man from the Dungannon area also faces charges of directing terrorism in Northern Ireland, membership of an outlawed organisation and two separate charges of preparatory acts of terrorism.

He was also charged with conspiracy to possess explosives with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Crime Operations Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gary, said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Terrorism Investigation Unit have charged a further person this evening on suspicion of a wide range of offences under the Terrorism Act as part of Operation Arbacia, an ongoing investigation into the activities of the New IRA.”